Prime Holyfield vs Prime Muhammad Ali

That's a distinction without a difference

 

In a discussion about a prime Ali, mentioning one of his defeats when he was past his prime is irrelevant.

 

Ali all day. Easy win by decision.

 

Holyfield had faster combos and conters than anybody Ali beat, he was a brilliant counter puncher, it was pretty hard to hit Holy without getting hit back. Holy could also match Ali`s reach, many of Ali`s opponents had short arms compared to Ali.

 

He lost because he wa open to hooks.

 

Probably however I feel Hloy ate too many shots in that fight, but yes may have displayed more hand speed than Ali did in Zaire.

 

No way would Ali win this fight easy. He is much faster and more skilled than Liston, Norton, and Foreman. Holyfield was also good at applying pressure when needed and would be the best combination puncher Ali has ever faced.

Ali close decision would probably be the pick

 

This....

 

People underestimating Holyfield here. Keep in mind, Prime Evander is the cruiser weight/ early heavyweight career. Guy could do it all and had a super sized gas tank. He may not have been as fast as Ali, but he was plenty fast. They are similar in size.
I have no problem saying Ali would win, but this fight would be a nightmare for him. Ali is superior on the outside, but has no inside game. Holyfield is good both outside and inside.
I'd say it's a pick'em fight.

 

Yeah, you're right, actually.

The fact he'd only recently returned to the ring after a three and a half year lay-off, didn't have the same speed, timing, movement or coordination and was now past his prime had absolutely nothing to do with it...

 

Ali's chin was Granite.....Never TKOd in his entire career against some of the Biggest punchers in Heavyweight history....Holyfield would have to TKO Ali to win that is not happening.!!!!!